[History Lives On – Goguryeo Series] Episode 2: From Buyeo to Goguryeo – The Duet of Succession and Independence
Just as Samsung learned from Sony while becoming distinctly Samsung, Goguryeo learned from Buyeo while becoming distinctly Goguryeo.
In 37 BCE, Jumong left Buyeo to establish Goguryeo. Yet Goguryeo never denied its Buyeo heritage. Instead, it boldly declared “We are descendants of Buyeo” while simultaneously asserting “We are a new nation.” This wasn’t contradiction—it was strategy.
How did Goguryeo claim Buyeo succession while fighting against Buyeo? Can an organization honor tradition while pursuing innovation? The challenge facing today’s global corporations existed in 1st-century Goguryeo.
🌍 Western Historical Parallel
During Goguryeo’s formation period (37 BCE – 44 CE), Augustus established the Roman Empire (27 BCE – 14 CE), creating Pax Romana. While Rome unified the Mediterranean through military conquest and cultural assimilation, Goguryeo navigated the delicate balance between honoring its Buyeo roots and asserting independence—similar to how medieval European kingdoms claimed Roman succession while establishing distinct identities.
◆ The Ancient Landscape
In 19 BCE, King Dongmyeong (Jumong) passed away, and his son Yuri ascended the throne. King Yuri had come from Buyeo to find his father. He was Buyeo royalty who became Goguryeo’s king. This complex identity represented Goguryeo’s core early dilemma.
The East Asian geopolitical situation was challenging. To the north lay the powerful kingdom of Buyeo; to the south, Chinese commanderies of the Han Dynasty. Goguryeo was merely a small mountain state along the middle Yalu River—no match for Buyeo in national power. Yet Goguryeo had a vision.
“Our late king (King Geumwa) had good relations with your late king, King Dongmyeong. Why do you, as a small nation, defy serving the great nation?”
– Samguk Sagi (History of Three Kingdoms), King Yuri 28th year (9 CE), Letter from Buyeo envoy
◆ Same Era, Different Worlds
🏛️ China
Late Western Han chaos (Wang Mang’s Xin Dynasty, 9-23 CE). Goguryeo exploited this turmoil.
🗿 Roman Empire
Augustus’s reign (27 BCE – 14 CE). Beginning of Pax Romana.
⚔️ Korean Peninsula
Three Han confederacies period. Founding of Baekje (18 BCE).
🌏 Germanic Tribes
Tribal migrations and conflicts with Rome—similar power dynamics as Goguryeo-Buyeo.
 |
⚔️ Autumn 3 CE, Gungnaeseong
King Yuri stood atop Jolbon Fortress’s high ramparts. He gazed north toward the sky. Beyond lay Buyeo—where he was born, from where his father had fled. “We must leave this place.” His minister Seolji spoke. “Winaarm. That shall be our new capital.”
The capital relocation was no mere transfer. It was a declaration: “We are no longer Buyeo’s shadow.” Gungnaeseong along the middle Yalu River. This new capital, combining mountain fortress and plain city, would remain Goguryeo’s heart for four centuries until 427 CE.
◆ Uncovering Historical Truth
Goguryeo’s identity formation was complex. Jumong came from Buyeo, and King Yuri was born there. That the Goguryeo royal clan initially used the surname “Hae (解)” shows connection to Buyeo royalty. Yet Goguryeo never sought to become “Buyeo’s regional regime.”
The 3 CE capital relocation to Gungnaeseong was symbolic. Moving about 40 kilometers from Jolbon to Gungnae wasn’t merely geographic relocation—it was strategic choice to establish an independent power base beyond Buyeo’s influence. Gungnaeseong (modern Ji’an, China) occupied a crucial transportation hub along the middle Yalu River, positioned to simultaneously check the southern Chinese commanderies and northern Buyeo.
However, Buyeo wouldn’t easily release Goguryeo. In 9 CE, King Daeso of Buyeo sent a letter demanding clarification of “relations between great and small nations.” When Goguryeo refused, Buyeo invaded with 50,000 troops. The campaign failed due to heavy snowfall. This event taught Goguryeo a crucial lesson: “Without surpassing Buyeo, we cannot survive.”
Period
19 BCE ~ 44 CE
Key Figures
King Yuri, King Daemusin
Key Event
Gungnaeseong relocation (3 CE)
Impact
Independent state system
🔍 International Academic Perspectives
Korean/Asian Scholars
Goguryeo formed through fusion of Buyeo ruling class with Gojoseon subjects, inheriting Buyeo culture while pursuing independence.
Western Historians
Goguryeo’s Buyeo succession claims were legitimacy strategy. Actually direct successor of Gojoseon.
📖 Key Terms Explained
- Buyeo (夫餘)
- Ancient kingdom in Manchuria (2nd C BCE – 494 CE), predecessor of Goguryeo
- Gungnaeseong (國內城)
- Goguryeo’s capital (3-427 CE), located in modern Ji’an, China, featuring dual mountain-plain fortress system
- Gojoseon (古朝鮮)
- Ancient Korean kingdom (2333? BCE – 108 BCE), cultural ancestor of Korean civilizations
◆ Lessons for Today’s World
Korean chaebol second-generation leaders face a crucial question: “Inherit father’s methods, or forge my own path?” Lee Kun-hee was Lee Byung-chul’s son, but created a different Samsung. He respected tradition while embracing innovation fearlessly.
Goguryeo walked the same path. Maintaining legitimacy through “We came from Buyeo” while establishing independence through “We are not Buyeo.” This balance constitutes successful organizational DNA—like Google inheriting Stanford culture while creating Google’s innovation.
| Aspect | Goguryeo Era | Modern Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Buyeo succession + Goguryeo independence | Global standards + Korean uniqueness |
| Strategy | Gungnaeseong relocation for independence | HQ relocation for new markets |
| Relationships | Respect Buyeo culture, political independence | Utilize parent technology, management independence |
 |
📚 Diving Deeper
- Gungnaeseong featured dual-structure: mountain fortress (Wandu Mountain Fortress) for wartime, plain city for peacetime
- King Daemusin established Ubo (Right Minister) and Jwabo (Left Minister) system, strengthening centralization
- Buyeo’s last king Janwang surrendered to Goguryeo’s King Munjamyeong in 494 CE, ending Buyeo completely
The Voice of Living History
Not denying tradition while refusing to abandon innovation. Remembering roots while extending new branches. This is how Goguryeo surpassed Buyeo.
“Succession and innovation—both are possible. Goguryeo proved it.”
Previous Episode
Episode 1: King Dongmyeong – A New Star Rises in East Asia
Next Episode
Episode 3: King Taejo’s Great Transformation – Birth of a Conquest State
The Korean Today “History Lives On” Series
The Goguryeo Chronicle (40 Episodes)
Bridging Ancient East Asia and the Modern World
© 2025 The Korean Today. All rights reserved.
This content is based on historical facts and presents balanced academic perspectives
for international readers.
<저작권자 ⓒ 코리안투데이(The Korean Today) 무단전재 및 재배포 금지>
